Newcastle from the plane

I flew back north at lunchtime today. Southampton is a very civilised airport - quiet and clean.

I was pleased with this aerial view of the city. If you look closely you can see all the bridges in the city centre and the Glasshouse (previously called The Sage) Music Centre.

Now for the rant!

I was not impressed with the Best Western Hotel in Chillingworth. I thought it was overpriced. There were no biscuits with the kettle (not that I eat them!) and no bottle of water. The room was adequate for a single person with a small double bed.

I had one course for dinner last night and thought it was overpriced and stingy. When I order trout I expect one to arrive on the plate! This was a small portion with a fish cake.

Breakfast was worse. One coffee machine had broken and there were long queues at the other. Then the milk ran out. People were trying to make drinks and steam kept gushing out. There seemed to be no one to sort it out.

There were a few manky oranges and no more fresh fruit. Tinned mandarins were available to eat with cereal. The choice of bread was limited. I went for cooked breakfast and the fried eggs were "being cooked". No other eggs were available. I chatted to two chaps as we waited. After about 10 minutes I gave up.

I stayed there because the Golden Wedding was there. Never again.

I was home in time for a nap before going to hear the last concert in the Corbridge Chamber Music Festival. Just lovely. Margret was well enough to go but remains very tired after her Covid.